Description
Now available at Fine Lines Classic Cars (Northampton)
1961 Austin A35 Van presented in near show-winning concours condition and quite possibly one of the finest examples in the country. With approximately 630 believed to remain registered and around 452 licensed for road use, these charming little Austin vans are now a rare sight, particularly in this exceptional condition. Beautifully restored, wonderfully detailed and sensibly upgraded, this is a very special example that attracts an extraordinary amount of attention wherever it goes.
Aside from its obvious appeal as a highly collectable classic, this Austin offers enormous potential as an advertising, promotional or corporate vehicle. Few forms of advertising have the ability to stop people in their tracks quite like a beautifully presented period commercial vehicle. Whether displayed outside a shop, hotel, restaurant or showroom, used at exhibitions and events, incorporated into a wedding or hospitality business, or sign written in a company's period livery, the A35 would make an instantly recognisable and memorable promotional vehicle. Its compact dimensions also make it easy to display, transport and position where a larger classic commercial simply would not be practical.
Tasteful removable graphics or traditional hand-painted signwriting could transform the van into a wonderful piece of mobile advertising without detracting from the quality of the restoration. For the right business, it could become part of the company's identity, appearing at events, launches, shows and promotional days, as well as providing a superb backdrop for photography, social media and marketing campaigns. In a world of modern vans and digital advertising, something with this much charm and character has a remarkable ability to get noticed, photographed and remembered.
The van has been family-owned by father and son for approximately the last ten years. Prior to their ownership, it underwent a complete nut-and-bolt restoration around 2014 at the hands of its previous owner, a skilled craftsman upholsterer specialising in classic coach trimming. The restoration was a genuine labour of love and took approximately 18 months to complete. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail are immediately apparent throughout. The restoration was also featured in Spotlight magazine, complete with photographs documenting the work carried out.
During the restoration, new panels were fitted as required before the body received a complete repaint in the original Austin colour of Spruce Green. The quality of the finish is superb, with beautiful gloss, impressive depth of colour and a wonderful shine. The bodywork presents exceptionally well throughout and is approaching show-winning concours condition. Original Austin hubcaps featuring the distinctive ‘A’ motif provide the perfect finishing touch.
The interior is particularly impressive and showcases the previous owner's professional coach-trimming skills. The seats have been beautifully retrimmed and piped to an impeccable standard, complemented by matching door cards and headlining. The rear wheel arches have been carefully trimmed and piped, while the side panel apertures and rear door apertures have also been finished in matching piped material. Handmade piped over mats, colour-coded door pull handles, a matching gear lever gaiter and a lovely wooden steering wheel complete an interior finished to a standard rarely seen in an A35 Van.
Mechanically, the Austin has been thoughtfully upgraded to make it considerably more enjoyable and usable on today's roads. The engine has been upgraded to 1275cc, providing a welcome increase in performance while retaining the character of the A-Series engine. It also benefits from an electronic distributor, new coils, a reconditioned carburettor, a new clutch, a new wiring loom and a new exhaust system.
The braking system has been sensibly improved with front disc brakes and a servo, giving greater confidence in modern traffic, while new radial tyres further improve its road manners. These upgrades are particularly worthwhile should the next owner wish to use the Austin regularly for promotional duties, events or shows rather than simply keeping it as a static exhibit. Importantly, its wonderful period character remains, including the original working semaphore trafficator indicators.
On the road, this Austin is tremendous fun. The 1275cc engine makes it noticeably more capable, while the upgraded brakes and radial tyres make it a far more usable proposition than a completely standard A35 Van. Wherever it goes, people look, wave, take photographs and come over to talk about it. That natural ability to engage with people is precisely what makes a classic commercial vehicle such an effective promotional tool.
This is therefore much more than simply an exceptionally restored Austin A35 Van. It could be a show vehicle, a highly distinctive addition to a private collection, a wonderful weekend classic or a genuine marketing asset for a business. Imagine it parked outside a country hotel, independent retailer, coffee shop, fashion brand, estate agency or specialist business carrying beautifully executed period signwriting. At shows, exhibitions and corporate events, it would make a superb centrepiece, while for photography and social media content it offers almost limitless possibilities.
With its beautiful Spruce Green paintwork, exceptional professionally trimmed interior, desirable 1275cc engine, sensible mechanical upgrades, documented restoration and charming working semaphore trafficators, this is a truly special little commercial. Finding another A35 Van is becoming increasingly difficult. Finding one of this quality, with the presentation to represent a premium business or brand, is considerably harder. As a classic vehicle, it is hugely appealing, but as a memorable and distinctive form of advertising, it could prove to be something very special indeed.
A detailed video is available to view on our Fine Lines Classic Cars website and YouTube channel. We have also taken numerous high-resolution photographs covering the bodywork, paintwork, engine bay, interior and load area, together with comprehensive photographs of the underside, allowing the exceptional quality and condition of this Austin A35 Van to be appreciated in detail.
Foe further details please visit our website or to arrange to view the van please contact David on the details below
